Two Choices
The Depths of ReasonThey made camp that night with a sense of relief, everyone glad to be in a walled town and out of the constant threat of attacks. Jinyoung had spoken to everyone before breaking camp that morning, reiterating that there was a lot of money to be had in their silence about what Jinwoo was, and as such the caravan leader didn't seem too worried. Jinyoung took up a room in one of the local inn's that night, though Amber was sure it wasn't only for the comforts that a inn would offer. He gave the same greeting to the innkeep as he had to the woman that first day, and the innkeep's face lit up and he took Jinyoung to a private room immediately.
That alone set Amber wondering, and she headed back from escorting him to his inn with thoughts swirling around her mind. Jinwoo had taken up residence in Jinyoung's wagon for that night, and that was where she headed, with purpose in her step. She gave a sharp rap on the door before she pulled it open and stepped inside-
-And was startled at the half-clothed Jinwoo that she was confronted with. "Oh," she said inarticulately as he stood from where he had been kneeling on the floor, reaching to wrap his ropal about his unclothed chest. Candlelight flickered on his damp hair and skin, and she felt a flush come up over her face. "I'm sorry, I-" she began.
He waved her words away with a small smile. "It's quite alright. Have a seat," he offered, pointing at one of the cushioned benches built into the side of the wagon. He knelt once more to the floor, settling before two open books and a small pile of sand.
She eyed the books as she took a seat, drawing her booted feet up onto the cushioned seat beside her. It would drive Jinyoung crazy if he knew that she had her boots on his furniture, but the man wasn't there and she could do what she wanted. "What are-" she began, then cut herself off. No, she had a reason for being here and she needed to focus on that. "Why is Jinyoung helping you? For real, this time. It can't just be the money, because surely there is money in turning you in."
Jinwoo nodded at that last point, his eyebrows raising as he looked at her in contemplation. "Why do you ask? Aren't you set on leaving?"
Her jaw firmed and she gave him a flat-eyed stare. "It doesn't matter what I plan to do, Jinwoo. Are you controlling Jinyoung and making him take you to your destination?"
His already large eyes widened and his mouth formed an 'o', then he shook his head firmly. "No, I am not. Well first off Magicians can't control, they can push thoughts and ideas into other's minds if they have the talent for it. But first off, I am not very talented at it, and secondly, no. I am doing nothing of the sort." He looked down at his books, one finger reaching out to trace the words on the front of one, and shrugged. "It's not my place to tell you, Amber. Jinyoung's choice gies far deeper than money, but it is not at my bidding at all. He is the one who contacted the Tower with the location of the Depths."
They sat in silence a long moment, Jinwoo tracing the title and Amber watching him, until finally she broke it. "'Her blessing upon you'. Who is he talking about when he says that?"
Jinyoung's brow furrowed and he looked up to meet her eyes once more, and she could read the truth in them. "I don't know," he lied. Oh, how she was tired of being lied to.
"Try again."
A smile slipped onto his lips and he shook his head ever so slightly. "You're... perceptive. Ah!" he exclaimed, running his hand through his hair in a sudden motion. "It is not my place to tell you these things! They're Jinyoung's secrets and-"
In a flash she had her belt knife out, and pressed to Jinwoo's throat, knee
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